Christopher Lydick

Biography

While completing his Masters' degree in Anthropology at FSU, Christopher Lydick served as an archeological technician with the National Park Service (NPS) through the Southeast Archeological Center (SEAC) in Tallahassee. Assisting with numerous projects across the breadth of the southeastern US during his four-years with the NPS, Lydick was subsequently recruited by the US Forest Service (USFS) in 2006.

In 2007, Lydick was transferred from the USFS Supervisors Office in Tallahassee to assume the role of District Archeologist for the Osceola National Forest in Olustee, FL. As District Archeologist, Mr. Lydick is responsible for the stewardship of over 1,100 historic and prehistoric sites, four historic structures, and consultation with seven federally-recognized Tribes. Additionally, the Osceola National Forest is home to Olustee Battlefield â€" site of the largest Civil War engagement in the state of Florida.

Cross-trained as USFS wildland firefighter, Lydick has been a pioneer in the field of integrating cultural resource management into regional and national incident management protocol through the national Incident Command System (ICS). Since 2007, numerous archeologists from around the country (including several FSU Anthropology alumni) have been mobilized to serve on Lydick's archeological strike-teams during and after various wildfires, hurricanes, floods and other catastrophic incidents around the southeastern region.